19 Nov 2020 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (online)
2020-11-19 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
This year’s AGM will be via Zoom video-conference. Please let us know in advance (RSVP using the button below, or by e-mail) if you are planning to attend, so we can prepare for the necessary voting processes.

Relevant documents are available via the links in the agenda below.
Click here to Join the Meeting.
Agenda

Welcome & Apologies
Matters arising from 2019 AGM – a brief update on Pontneddfechan access, Welsh Government Access Reform and Glasbury-Hay access. See 2019 AGM Minutes.
Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning
Annual Report & Accounts – see 2020 Annual Report and Accounts
Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chairperson – Steve Bird, Steffan Davies and Tom Sampson to be approved as Steering Group members; Roger Lee to be approved as Chair; retiring members to be replaced. We still have spaces on both Steering Group and Board of Directors – complete a Steering Group & Director nomination form if you’d like to join either!
2021 Membership Fees – the Steering Group proposes to apply only the inflationary increase agreed previously, resulting in Full Membership £79 & Associate Membership £27
Presentation and Q&A by Visit Wales – covering their intentions for future marketing campaigns and funding policies
Q&A Session – we’ll have some questions for Members and you may have some for us!

7 Jan 2021 Webinar: getting your adventure offerings to a wider audience via 'Airbnb Experiences'
2021-01-07 18:30 - 20:00
Through their ‘Curious Cymru’ project, Snowdonia-Active (SWOAPG’s counterpart in North Wales) is working with individuals and businesses to develop unique new tourism products which showcase the wonderful landscape, people and heritage of North Wales and to launch them on the Airbnb Experiences platform.
This webinar, hosted by Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group (SWOAPG’s counterpart in West Wales), is an opportunity for Snowdonia-Active to share their learning and experience.
Come along to find out more and to hear from one of the businesses they have worked with.
What’s an Airbnb Experience?…It’s an activity that goes beyond the typical tour or class, designed and led by locals. They make people feel connected and give access to unique places and activities that can’t be found anywhere else.
You don’t have to be an established business or own an Airbnb property to host an experience. If you have a lockdown project which you could turn into an Experience this is your chance to;
• Show off your region, craft, cause, or culture by hosting an experience.
• Give locals and travellers a way to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with themselves through a one-of-a-kind activity, designed by you.
Airbnb Experiences can be quite simply adapted to ensure they meet Covid-19 regulations. They are only available to groups of less than 10 people (so suit household bubbles) and outdoor experiences are particularly popular.
Click here to book your place on the webinar.

12 Jan 2021 Webinar: outdoor sector accreditation update for outdoor activity providers in Wales
2021-01-12 10:00 - 12:00
Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation (WATO) and its core members (Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group [POCG], Snowdonia-Active [S-A] & South Wales Outdoor Activity Provider Group [SWOAPG]) wish to invite you to join a virtual meeting on Tuesday 12th January 2021 at 10:00. The meeting will provide an update on outdoor sector accreditation – current and future.
There will be a number of presentations during the meeting that will:

Confirm the changes in licensing arrangements from April 2021.
Explain the new AALA application review process.
Update on how Adventure RMS are proceeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provide an update from the HSE.
Update on the work being carried out by Adventure UK and particularly the work by the Option 3 Working Group who are responsible for developing a possible replacement for AALA licensing.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters, who will be:
Tim Morton – Head of Service for Adventure RMS, appointed by the HSE as the AALA Inspectorate.
Frances Kelly – Health & Safety Executive.
Mike Rosser – Chair of Option 3 Working Group.
Should you be interested in finding out more about the current accreditation processes and future accreditation developments for the outdoor sector, please confirm by clicking on the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUld-GhrjouHNTo2AxLwyBtr-4r-XX2e0so

23 Aug 2021 Members' Meeting to discuss SWOAPG's role with Glasbury-Hay canoeing access
2021-08-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
SWOAPG intends to hold an (online) Extraordinary General Meeting of its Members on Monday 23 August 2021 at 7-8pm to discuss SWOAPG’s role with Glasbury-Hay canoeing access. Before we proceed much further in discussions with Powys County Council, Hay Town Council and other groups dealing with this issue, we need to know whether this is something that our Members want us to be involved with!

Key questions will be:

Should SWOAPG be actively involved in trying to secure sustainable canoeing access from Glasbury-Hay? Or play a role more as ‘observers’ while letting others attempt to sort things out between them?Would Members wish SWOAPG to pursue a Concordat-type arrangement for launching at Glasbury Bont (if Powys will fund its setup)?Should SWOAPG continue to engage with Hay Town Council?How should SWOAPG engage with other groups such as the proposed “Wye Alliance”?Are Members prepared for SWOAPG to commit resources to this engagement? And/or are any Members willing to join a volunteer Working Group to take action forward?

We hope that all our Members who actively use this stretch of the river will be able to attend the meeting – please let us know if you plan to attend (or if you have any views on the questions above) via the RSVP button on the online Event Listing or via mail@swoapg.com. We will send the Teams link nearer the time to those Members who respond.

23 Nov 2021 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (online)
2021-11-23 18:30 - 20:00
This year’s AGM will be via Teams video-conference. Please let us know in advance (RSVP using the button below, or by e-mail) if you are planning to attend, so we can prepare for the necessary voting processes.

Relevant documents will be available in due course via links in the agenda below.

Online Meeting Link to be added in due course

Agenda

Welcome & ApologiesMatters arising from 2020 AGM – See 2020 SWOAPG AGM Minutes.Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planningThe Outdoor Partnership – presentation on developments in South WalesAnnual Report & Accounts – See 2021 SWOAPG Annual Report and Accounts.Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chairperson – Mark Soanes to be re-elected as Director; Steve Bird to be approved as Director; Dave Grimes & Mike Smith to be elected as Steering Group Members. We still have spaces on both Steering Group and Board of Directors – contact us and/or complete a Steering Group & Director nomination form if you’d like to join either!2022 Membership Fees – the Steering Group proposes to apply only the inflationary increase agreed previously, resulting in Full Membership £82 & Associate Membership £28Q&A Session

Wed 16 Feb 2022 Waterfall Country Gorges: a Practical Workshop to consider how Activity Providers can help care for these special places
2022-02-16 08:30 - 12:00 | Clyn Gwyn Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Those of you using the Waterfall Country gorges in the last year or so will be well aware of the immense pressure that the area is under from visitors – which is having a significant adverse impact on the gorge environment. We know that gorge-walking groups are not a significant part of the problem – in fact we think there’s a lot we can do to help!

SWOAPG has therefore planned this onsite workshop, based around the Mellte gorge, to see what we can do to help alleviate some of the problems being caused by visitor numbers and behaviour.

The idea of the workshop (which will be facilitated on behalf of SWOAPG by Lee Garbett of Quest Adventures – and hopefully attended by all the major gorge-walking providers as well as environmental and safety organisations) is to share concerns and ideas and generate some key messages and good practice for groups using the gorge, which SWOAPG will then disseminate more widely. Topics to be addressed will include how providers might…

better understand and continue to minimise their own impact on the fragile gorge environment;help keep the area in good condition e.g. by collecting and disposing of rubbish; andinfluence the behaviour of the general public to better look after the gorge environment (and their own safety!).

The intention is to cover the section of river between Sgwd Clun Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr. To participate fully you’ll need ‘wet’ gorge kit – or if you prefer you can stay dry and join in parts only with walking kit (contact Lee if you need to borrow kit).

Meet 8.30am at Clyn Gwyn Car Park for a briefing before moving onsite at 9am.

Please RSVP using the button below if you’re able to attend.

Contact Lee for more detailed information or questions about the workshop.

22 Nov 2022 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (online)
2022-11-22 18:30 - 20:00
This year’s AGM will be via Teams video-conference. Please let us know in advance (RSVP using the button below, or by e-mail) if you are planning to attend, so we can prepare for the necessary voting processes.

Relevant documents are available course via links in the agenda below.

Teams Meeting Link here

Agenda

Welcome & ApologiesMatters arising from 2021 AGM – See 2021 SWOAPG AGM Minutes.Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning – including an update on progress with the Glasbury-Hay ConcordatAnnual Report & Accounts – see 2022 SWOAPG Annual Report and AccountsElection of Steering Group, Directors and Chairperson – Peter Jeffery to be confirmed and Ant Morgan elected as Steering Group Members. Mark Soanes to be re-elected as Steering Group Member, Director and Interim Chair.2023 Membership Fees – the Directors propose to apply only the inflationary increase agreed previously, resulting in Full Membership £89 & Associate Membership £30Q&A Session

Mon 30 Jan 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about...the Blaen y Glyn area
2023-01-30 09:30 - 15:00 | Lower Blaen y Glyn Car Park, https://what3words.com/distract.watching.static, nr Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YT
Come and join Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer, Alan Bowring, for an exploration of the geology and history of Blaen y Glyn gorge and its surrounding mountain area. We’ll take a circular walking tour up the Caerfanell gorge and up on to Waun Rydd (and its Wellington bomber memorial) and the summit of Craig y Fan Ddu before returning down Nant Bwrefwr to the car park [subject to weather conditions, of course]. Participants will need suitable clothing and equipment for a mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

This is the first of a series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places. Each will be led by a volunteer SWOAPG Provider* with expert staff from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £15 for first employee, £5 each for additional employees (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £28 (this will include Associate Membership up to 31 March, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
* The Provider for this workshop will be Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits, with Steve representing his own business as a volunteer in conjunction with his role as SWOAPG Coordinator.

Fri 3 Mar 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Nedd Fechan Caves
2023-03-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Pont Cwm Pwll-y-Rhyd, https://what3words.com/dabbing.pound.framework, nr Ystradfellte
NB this event is subject to weather conditions. If there is too much water in the Nedd Fechan, we’ll either postpone or replace with an alternative activity.

Come and join Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer Alan Bowring and Cave Instructor Juliet Parker-Smith, for a geological exploration of the ‘upper’ Nedd Fechan gorge and its caves. We’ll explore Bridge Cave then take a walk along the river and dry valley via Pwll y Rhyd to White Lady Cave and Town Drain. Participants will need suitable clothing and equipment for a day’s caving (wellies, over-suit, knee pads, belt, helmet & lamp), plus packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com (there may be spaces even if the tickets are all ‘sold out’).

This is the second of a series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places. Each will be led by a volunteer SWOAPG Provider* with expert staff from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £15 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £28 (this will include Associate Membership up to 31 March, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
* The Provider for this workshop will be Juliet Parker-Smith.

Mon 27 Mar 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Craig Cerrig Gleisiad & Fan Frynich
2023-03-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Craig Cerrig Gleisiad A470 layby, https://what3words.com/reactions.bunch.rank, nr Libanus
Come and join Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer, Alan Bowring, for an exploration of the geology and history of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad (CCG) and Fan Frynich. We’ll aim to take a ‘figure 8’ walking tour up to the summit of Fan Frynich and down to Pont Blaen Cwm Du, returning up the streamway and over the bwlch between CCG and Fan Frynich [subject to weather conditions, of course]. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

This is the third of a series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places. Each will be led by a volunteer SWOAPG Provider* with expert staff from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £15 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £40 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2024, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
* The Provider for this workshop will be Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits, with Steve representing his own business as a volunteer in conjunction with his role as SWOAPG Coordinator.

17 May 2023 Invaders of the National Park: an evening workshop for SWOAPG Members to help tackle some of the invasive species found in places we visit (including the Sychryd Gorge)
2023-05-17 17:30 - 20:00 | Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-Cae, Swansea, SA9 1GL, United Kingdom
Please consider coming along to this workshop for SWOAPG Members – led by the Invasive Species Team for the Brecon Beacons National Park – to learn about how Outdoor Activity Providers and their clients can help to record and control some of the invasive species that occur in the places we visit in the National Park and elsewhere.

Himalayan Balsam in particular is known to be a problem in the Sychryd Gorge, where gorge leaders could play a vital role in helping to tackle this growing problem, so the workshop will look at techniques for controlling this species wherever we might find it.

Arrival from 5.30pm for chat and light refreshments, with the workshop starting at 6pm. A short presentation inside (30 mins), then a walk around Craig y Nos Country park identifying invasive species and learning how to record them using smartphone apps (LERC Wales/I-Record). A discussion on tackling Himalayan balsam in the Sychryd Gorge will then follow before departures at 8pm.

Each participant will receive a free invasive species guide and biosecurity guidance.

To book, please use the RSVP button or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

Mon 4 Dec Mountain Rescue in the Gorges - networking opportunity at Central Beacons MR base
2023-12-04 18:30 - 21:00 | CBMRT base, Blaen Dowlais, Rear of High St, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3PW, United Kingdom
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team is keen to continue working with gorge users to explore how best we can all work together to manage effectively incidents that occur in the Waterfall Country gorges. This is an opportunity for SWOAPG members to meet up with MR volunteers and hear more about how they work in the gorges and how we can best work together – as well as an opportunity to have a look around vehicles / equipment etc. both before and after the discussion.

Arrival from 6.30pm with discussion starting at 7pm.

This event is open to all SWOAPG Members and subscribers. Please book using the RSVP button below [or contact the organiser direct]. There is no charge for attending this event BUT there is a ‘ticket’ option below where you can make a donation (or you can donate direct via FUNDRAISING | Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team)

Wed 6 Dec 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Craig Cerrig Gleisiad & Fan Frynich
2023-12-06 09:30 - 16:00
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) and Mike James (Natural Resources Wales Nature Reserve Manager), for an exploration of the geology, history and ecology of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad (CCG) and Fan Frynich. We’ll aim to take a ‘figure 8’ walking tour from the A470 layby up to the summit of Fan Frynich and down to Pont Blaen Cwm Du, returning up the streamway and over the bwlch between CCG and Fan Frynich [subject to weather conditions, of course]. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £50 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2024, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.

20 Jan 2024 Climbing & Abseiling at Dinas Rock, a practical workshop
2024-01-20 09:30 - 13:00 | Dinas Rock Car Park, Coed-Y-Rhaidyr, Pontneddfechan, SA11 5NU, United Kingdom
This half-day workshop, facilitated by Matt Woodfield, will look at how participating organisations can demonstrate safe practice when using the left side of the slab at Dinas Rock. We will be looking at the options available to boost the RCI qualification that some have been using as their main evidence of managing safety at this venue, now that AdventureRMS has stated that RCI alone is not sufficient. Matt will also aim to cover general good practice in rigging and personal safety, earning an MTA CPD point for eligible participants.

Meet at Dinas Rock Car Park ready to start at 0930.

Participants should bring a helmet and harness so they can safely work at height.

Maximum 12 participants. Cost £40 per organisation / business (which must be a SWOAPG Member)* – please book using the ‘get tickets’ button. Additional staff employed by an organisation / business may attend – at no extra cost – if there are spaces available – please ‘express interest’ below and we’ll allocate any available spaces nearer the time.

For clarification:

Our understanding from AdventureRMS is that attendance at this specific training will be accepted by AALA as proof of additional skills competence – so anyone attending shouldn’t need separate endorsement by their own Technical Adviser (TA);

If your TA already has documentation of appropriate safety systems in place, that may be adequate and you may therefore have no need to attend; and

any provider may work with their own TA to resolve the issues raised around using the left end of the crag; the intention of this workshop is ‘merely’ to reduce the financial burden of this by offering a shared approach. NB it is not our intention to ‘write-up’ the results for sharing with non-participants, although this could be an option – at extra cost – if this was felt to be worthwhile.

*NB the £40 cost is based on at least 5 providers attending, if there are less than this we may need to increase the price to cover our costs*

24 Jan 2024 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (online)
2024-01-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Rescheduled from 5 December.

This year’s AGM will once again be via Teams video-conference and will will include the usual ‘formalities’ and discussion / decisions around Glasbury-Hay Concordat Arrangements and future Membership Fees.

Please let us know in advance (RSVP using the button below, or by e-mail) if you are planning to attend, so we can prepare for the necessary voting processes.

More information and relevant documents will be provided in due course via links in the agenda below.

Teams Meeting Link to follow in due course…

Draft Agenda:

Welcome & Apologies – apologies received from Justin Bradley, Steffan Davies, Chris Pierce, Mark Soanes

Matters Arising from 2022 AGM – see 2022 AGM Minutes

Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning

Annual Report & Accounts – see 2023 Annual Report and 2022-23 Accounts

Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chair – James Martin to be confirmed; Steve Bird, Steffan Davies and Jet Moore to be re-elected as Steering Group Members. Steve Bird to be re-elected as Director. Mike Smith to be confirmed as Director & Chair

River Wye Glasbury-Hay – discussion / decision on whether to progress with Powys Concordat

2024 Membership Fees – discussion / decision on whether to introduce new fee structure (NB the ‘default’ inflationary increase agreed previously would result in Full Membership £94 & Associate Membership £32)

Q&A Session

Mon 4 Mar 2024 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Clydach Gorge
2024-03-04 09:30 - 16:00
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) to explore the interplay of geology, speleology, ecology, mythology and archaeology in what may be the most fascinating landscape in the entire National Park! Details to be confirmed but will be either a circular or a linear walk (using car or bus shuttle). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £52 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2025, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.

19 Mar 2024 CPD Workshop: Learn about...Porth yr Ogof
2024-03-19 10:00 - 21:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
This workshop is intended for instructors who’d like to learn more about Porth yr Ogof. We’ve secured the support of several Cave Instructors as well as Alan Bowring of BBNPA and we will be offering three separate sessions (10am-1pm, 2-5pm and 6-9pm) with the following topics covered in each session (subject to sufficient demand):

Cave familiarisation (for those who may not know it well);

Explore lesser-known parts of the cave (for those who do!);

Cave geology;

Avoiding and/or using the water;

Using the avens (familiarisation for ‘Level 1’ and – for those of you with ‘vertical’ aptitude & equipment – ‘Level 2’ ropework)

The workshop will be open to staff employed by SWOAPG Members (initially limited to 3 per business/organisation, depending on capacity and demand); freelancers need to be Associate Members at least.
Price £20 for one session, £35 for 2 sessions, £45 for 3 sessions.
Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below AND please complete this Session Preference Form (apologies for the 2-stage process) – or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com if the tickets don’t seem to offer what you want!

Fri 15 Nov 2024 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Black Mountain
2024-11-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-Cae, Swansea, SA9 1GL, United Kingdom
***Postponed to 14 Feb 2025, due to insufficient numbers***

Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Black Mountain and its famous lakes. We’ll meet at Craig y Nos Country Park to get ourselves organised, then re-locate for a circular walk taking in Llyn y Fan Fawr, Llyn y Fan Fach and the Mynydd Du ridge to Fan Brycheiniog. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £52 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2025, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

10 Dec 2024 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (online)
2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00
This year’s AGM will once again be via Teams video-conference and will will include the usual ‘formalities’, a presentation on the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Sustainable Tourism Strategy; and discussion around proposals for monitoring engagement with public incidents in gorges; responding to the Glasbury-Hay concordat ‘pause’; and staffing shortages.

Please let us know in advance (RSVP using the button below, or by e-mail) if you are planning to attend, so we can prepare for the necessary voting processes.

Click here to Join the Teams meeting.

Draft Agenda:

Welcome & Apologies

Matters arising from 2023 AGM – See 2023 SWOAPG AGM Minutes

Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning; to include proposals for monitoring engagement with public incidents in gorges and responding to the Glasbury-Hay concordat ‘pause’.

Annual Report & Accounts – see 2024 Annual Report and Accounts

Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chair – Cath Parker to be confirmed; Lee Garbett, Dave Grimes, Mike Smith to be re-elected as Steering Group Members. Dave Grimes to be re-elected as Director. Mike Smith to continue as Chair

2025 Membership Fees – ‘default’ inflationary increase agreed previously: Full Membership £98 & Associate Membership £33

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Sustainable Tourism Strategy – with Jo Maurice, BBNPA

Q&A Session – to include discussion around staffing shortages.

Fri 13 Dec 2024 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Black Mountains
2024-12-13 00:00 - 23:59 | Longtown Outdoor Learning Centre, The Court House, Longtown, Herefordshire, HR2 0LD, United Kingdom
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Black Mountains at the eastern edge of the National Park. We’ll meet at Longtown Outdoor Learning Centre where we’ll embark on a minibus-and-walking tour to various ‘points of interest’ throughout this mountain range. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for mountain walking in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £52 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2025, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

Fri 17 Jan 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…LLangattock escarpment and Eglwys Faen cave
2025-01-17 00:00 - 23:59 | Llangattock Quarry Car Park, 51.831556, -3.149136
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) and our local Cave Instructor(s) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Llangattock escarpment and its caves. We’ll meet at Llangattock Quarry Car Park then walk to Eglwys Faen for an underground tour of this popular group cave. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a walk and caving trip in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £52 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2025, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

10 Feb 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoirs
2025-02-10 00:00 - 23:59
First of two repeated workshops – second on Fri 7 March

In conjunction with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), the aim of this workshop will be to enable instructors who use reservoirs; particularly those in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; to both appreciate them better and be able to educate their clients about them – but will also serve to build a stronger SWOAPG relationship with DCWW and help us secure continued access to reservoirs for paddlesport. This ‘pilot’ workshop, if successful, could become a regular fixture and perhaps even a requirement for users of the Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Scheme. The workshop will take the form of a ‘short day’ (9.30am-2.30pm), based at Pontsticill and including a presentation, a reservoir visit and a tour of a local water treatment works (e.g.Talybont, since the Pontsticill works itself is now unable to accommodate us that day). Each workshop will be restricted to a maximum 12 participants. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors, for whom the following fees will apply:

Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Holders (we will ask for evidence!): one FREE place (employed staff only) for each 2024 passport held

Other SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 1 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.

Wed 26 Feb 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Black Mountain
2025-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Pen-y-Cae, Swansea, SA9 1GL, United Kingdom
Rescheduled from 14 Feb

Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the Black Mountain and its famous lakes. We’ll meet at Craig y Nos Country Park to get ourselves organised, then re-locate for a circular walk taking in Llyn y Fan Fawr, Llyn y Fan Fach and the Mynydd Du ridge to Fan Brycheiniog. Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

7 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoirs
2025-03-07 00:00 - 23:59
Second of two repeated workshops – first on Mon 10 February

In conjunction with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), the aim of this workshop will be to enable instructors who use reservoirs; particularly those in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; to both appreciate them better and be able to educate their clients about them – but will also serve to build a stronger SWOAPG relationship with DCWW and help us secure continued access to reservoirs for paddlesport. This ‘pilot’ workshop, if successful, could become a regular fixture and perhaps even a requirement for users of the Bannau Brycheiniog Reservoir Passport Scheme. The workshop will take the form of a ‘short day’ (9.30am-2.30pm), based at Pontsticill and including a presentation, a reservoir visit and a tour of the water treatment works. Each workshop will be restricted to a maximum 12 participants. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

Fri 14 Mar 2025 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Central Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
2025-03-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Pont ar Daf Car Park, https://w3w.co/hiker.steps.purifier
Come and join Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of the ‘central Beacons’ (aka Bannau Brycheiniog – or the Pen y Fan massif!). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employees (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £53 (this will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.

3 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), starting on 3 Nov with further work on the next 2 Mondays if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he is away from 26 Oct to 2 Nov with limited admin time to get short-notice messages out if needed, so having everyone’s contact details in one place will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

10 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), hopefully on 10 Nov with further work on the following Monday if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the 10th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

17 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following a great start last Monday, BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level) – with big chainsaws – next Monday.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the morning of the 17th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

2 Dec 2025 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (face-to-face / hybrid)
2025-12-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Up and Under, 490 Cowbridge Road East, Victoria Park, Cardiff, CF5 1BL, United Kingdom
TEAMS LINK FOR THOSE JOINING US ONLINE

This year’s SWOAPG AGM will be hosted by Up and Under in Cardiff, although we hope (technology permitting) to be able to offer a hybrid option as well. The papers will be published in due course, but in the meantime Up and Under have confirmed that they will:

provide brews, drinks, nibbles and staff to chat to;

donate some sort of prize raffle or similar;

give us a short presentation around new products and/or other equipment-related matters; and

offer “professional” pricing on all products in all departments, so attendees can do centre top-ups or family Christmas present shopping!

Please RSVP on our website event listing so we know who to expect; we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!

Draft Agenda:

Welcome & Apologies – apologies received from Pete Jeffery
Matters arising from 2024 AGM – see 2024 AGM Minutes
Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning.
Annual Report & Accounts – see 2025 Annual Report and Accounts.
Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chair – Mark Davies to be confirmed; Pete Jeffery, Ant Morgan and Mark Soanes to be re-elected as Steering Group Members. Steve Bird to be re-elected as Director. Mike Smith to continue as Chair.
2026 Membership Fees – ‘default’ inflationary increase agreed previously: Full Membership £100 & Associate Membership £34.
Q&A Session
Paddle Cymru Update – by Jethro Moore, Interim CEO.
Equipment Update – by Up and Under.

2 Feb 2026 CPD Workshop: Learn about…Llygad Llwchwr
2026-02-02 09:30 - 16:30
***NB This event is currently fully subscribed. Please book tickets only if Steve has already confirmed your place(s) by e-mail – or book an ‘expression of interest’ ticket to be added to the reserve list***

Come and join local cave leaders and Alan Bowring (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer) for an exploration of the geology, history and stories of Llygad Llwchwr – starting with an exploration around the Black Mountain Quarries (from where water is known to flow to the cave). Participants will need suitable fitness, clothing and equipment for a day’s caving (and some walking) in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ using the buttons below.

This is one of our series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £20 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (regularly employed staff only, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £35 (which will include Associate Membership until 31 March 2026, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
This event is of course subject to suitable weather conditions and we reserve the right to modify the route if necessary; if we need to cancel for any reason we will refund any fees paid.
